SCHOOLOFCOMMUNICATION
SemesterI, 2020/2021
YSK502—The relationship between presentation of self and subjective well-being
of Chinese college students in WeChat use
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
In modern society, mediation has become the biggest feature of people's lives.
People's living environment is increasingly presented as a media environment,
especially the Internet and social media environment. The flourishing of social
networking sites (SNS) has fundamentally affected the way individuals communicate,
socially interact, maintain interpersonal relationships, and disseminate information in
their daily lives (Hanna et al., 2017; He et al., 2016).
WeChat is a free application launched by Tencent on January 21, 2011 to provide
instant messaging services for smart terminals (China Storage, 2016). It has similar
functions to Instagram. It can publish text, pictures, forward music, videos, etc. to
show their daily life and mood, and interact through likes and comments between
users to form a social circle.Since the launch of WeChat, it has become a necessity for
people to live and work in China. Tencent's financial report released in 2021 shows
that the number of WeChat users has reached 1.26 billion, and the "2020-2026 China
Mobile APP Industry Market Special Survey and Future Prospect Report" released by
Zhiyan Consulting shows that the average WeChat The time users spend on WeChat is
24.6 days per month.These two data can clearly show the degree of people's
dependence on WeChat. So the use of WeChat is very common in China. In addition,
Tencent's WeChat user occupational distribution map in November 2014 shows that
the existing WeChat users have distinct characteristics of youth. Specifically, from the
perspective of occupational distribution, the proportion of college students reached
64.51%. And the popularity of WeChat is still accelerating. This shows that WeChat,
as a more interactive and faster dissemination method, has won the favor of many
mobile phone users and netizens.
In the process of our daily use of social networking sites (SNS), it is inevitable to
share our daily life with friends or netizens, that is, presentation of self.Social media
presentation of self, also known as online self-expression, refers to the social
interaction process in which people present different self-characteristics through
impression management in the online environment (Qiu Wenfu, Wei Lingzhen, Chen
Zhiyong. Network Social Support and Comprehensive Well-Being status differences).
It is an important part of the process of network social interaction (Fang Ling. Review
of impression management). It is also one of the important motivations for people to
use social media such as WeChat (DOGRUER N, MENEVI I, EYYAM R. What is the
motivation for using Facebook). In social networking sites, the functions most
commonly used by users are: uploading photos, posting status, posting comments, etc.
These functions are all related to presentation of self. In WeChat Moments,
individuals can present themselves through status updates and uploading photos
(Ellison, 2007).
People's presentation of self on social media can be divided into positive
presentation of self and authentic presentation of self. With the rapid development of
network media, social networking sites (SNS) have become an indispensable way for
people to obtain social support. presentation of self on social media is also beneficial
for users to obtain social support, which is also called online social support.
At present, a large number of studies on social networks have focused on
negative aspects such as "Internet addiction" and "loneliness", but some researchers
have confirmed that the use of social networking sites can make users gain more
emotional support and Companionship (Ozkaya & LaRose, 2014). Some studies
suggest that social support has a significant relationship with subjective well-being
(Newsom, Schulz, 1996; Pinquart, Sorensen, 2000; Thomas, 2010). Then, whether
presentation of self in WeChat use will affect users' social support and thus affect
subjective well-being is what this paper wants to explore.
Therefore, this study argues that positive presentation of self and authentic
presentation of self in WeChat use can be analyzed through use and satisfaction theory
(U&G), presentation of self theory and social support theory. The main purpose of
U&G surveys is to explain how people use the media to meet their own needs; to
understand the motivations of media behavior; and to identify needs, motivations, and
functions or consequences of behaviors (Shao, 2009). presentation of self theory
refers to a theory of a person's tendency to reveal his true face and hidden details to
another person, an indicator of the development of beneficial and loving relationships
between individuals (Lin Chongde, 2003). Social support theory refers to the contacts
between a group of individuals through which information and new social contacts
come into contact (Raschke, 1997). Individuals are able to maintain social identity
and access emotional support, material assistance and services. Use both quantitative
surveys and instrumental questionnaires to obtain data and explain what is being
explored. The target respondents of this study are: college students who have used or
have been using WeChat social media in China.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT
Social networking sites (SNS) have become an important platform for human
interaction (Gosling & Mason, 2015). The emergence of social media such as
Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat has gradually shifted the way people communicate
and interact from “ offline ” to “ online ” , bringing convenience to individual
communication (Michele & Jill, 2012). As SNSs such as Facebook have become an
important part of people's daily lives, media psychologists have become interested in
whether and how SNS use affects well-being (Ahn, 2011; Burke & Kraut, 2016;
Verduyn, Ybarra, Resilbois, Jonides and Kross, 2017). In the current research, most of
them are about the negative effects of Internet addiction and loneliness, but there are
very few studies about the positive experience that social networking sites bring to
people. Therefore, the impact of social media use on the subjective well-being of
college students has attracted the attention of many researchers, but the relationship
between the two has not been clear so far.Studies have shown that the use of social
media is beneficial for individuals to accumulate social capital, improve
communication skills, and reduce loneliness, thereby enhancing life satisfaction and
happiness (Sheldon & Abad, 2011; Ding Qian, Zhou Zongkui, Zhong Yongxin, 2016).
Numerous studies have found that social networking site dependence (also known as
social networking site addiction) can lead to various psychological and social
problems that affect well-being (Griffiths, Kuss, Demetrovics, 2014; Hong, Huang,
Lin, Chiu, 2014 ; Ryan, Chester, Reece, Xenos, 2014; Wilson, Fornasier, White, 2010;
Wu, Cheung, Ku, Huang, 2013). However, some studies have found that social
networking site use has a positive impact on individual well-being (Shel-don, Neetu,
Christian, 2011; Zhong, 2014). As a result, inconsistent research findings complicate
the question of how social media use affects well-being, and research is continually
adding new variables.It is precisely because the impact of social media use on
subjective well-being is controversial, which prompted this study to gain a deeper
understanding of the impact of social media use on well-being.
presentation of self, also known as impression management or self-expression,
was proposed by Canadian sociologist Owen Goffman, which refers to an individual
showing himself to others in a certain way and conveying his image to others.
People's presentation of self on social networking sites can be divided into positive
presentation of self and authentic presentation of self. Leary points out that
presentation of self is the primary means of maintaining and enhancing the value of
one's relationships with others. Positive presentation of self can also be called positive
presentation of self, which means that the individual presents only positive
information or the positive side of the individual; true presentation of self is also
called objective presentation of self, which means that the individual presents both
positive and negative information. Under the influence of social desirability and
motivation to control the outcome of interactions, people will strive to maintain an
image consistent with their social image in order to gain approval and pleasant
evaluation from others (Goffman, 1959).
In the face of positive presentation of self, the pleasure brought by the
individual's approval and pleasant evaluation will make the individual in a positive
emotional atmosphere, which is conducive to maintaining a positive and optimistic
state of mind when facing things (Dunn, Biesanz, Human, Finm, 2017).Other studies
have found that Facebook users can derive emotional pleasure from self-affirmation,
that is, online users can gain a psychological buffer against self-threatening
information or events through positive presentation of self (Toma, 2010). ). Positive
presentation of self is conducive to establishing a positive personal image in front of
others and promoting the individual's psychological adaptability (Ren Jun, Cai
Xiaohui, 2010), but if only positive information is presented on social networking
sites, and negative information is intentionally hidden or covered up, then It is not
conducive to the acquisition of social support (Journal of Computer-Mediated
Communication, 2019), and authentic presentation of self can show the authenticity
and frankness of the individual, so that others can have a more comprehensive
understanding of themselves, which is conducive to the acquisition of social support
(Niu Geng Feng, Bao Na, Zhou Zongkui, 2015). Therefore, through the understanding
of presentation of self, we can find from previous research that there is a certain
relationship between presentation of self and subjective well-being in social media
use, and there is also a certain relationship between presentation of self and social
support. However, whether there is a relationship between social support and
subjective well-being is a question we need to study next.
There is also research showing that SNS use contributes to happiness because it
increases social capital and thus social support (Burke & Kraut, 2013, 2016; Ellison,
Stanfield & Lampe, 2017; Verduyn, 2017) . Most of the existing research on the
relationship between social support and well-being is describing how people use SNS
to obtain social support, or how the use of SNS affects other factors to obtain social
well-being. Feel. However, the relationship between SNS use, social support, and
well-being remains unclear, as most studies are cross-sectional or focus only on any
two of these three constructs (Trepte & Scharkow, 2016; Verduyn, 2017). Therefore,
this study will explore the relationship between presentation of self, subjective
well-being and social support.
This study argues that the well-being of college students when they use WeChat
can be analyzed through the use and satisfaction theory, because the main purpose of
the use and satisfaction theory is to explain how people use the media to meet their
needs; understand the motivations of media behavior; and identify needs, motivations,
and the functions and consequences of behaviors (Shao, 2009). At the same time, we
can also use presentation of self theory to analyze the relationship between
presentation of self, subjective well-being and social support when college students
use WeChat. Because presentation of self refers to the social interaction process in
which people present different self-characteristics through impression management in
social interaction and communication (Qiu Wenfu, Wei Lingzhen, Chen Zhiyong,
2016).
1.3 RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
In order to discover the relationship between all the variables in this study, the
research question was used as the guiding point of the study, therefore, the specific
research question is as follows:
RQ1: What is the relationship between presentation of self (positive presentation of
self, authentic presentation of self) and subjective well-being of college students in
the use of WeChat?
RQ2: What is the relationship between college students' presentation of self (positive
presentation of self, authentic presentation of self) and social support in the use of
WeChat?
RQ3: What is the relationship between social support and subjective well-being of
college students in WeChat use?
RQ4: What is the relationship between college students' presentation of self (positive
presentation of self, authentic presentation of self), subjective well-being and social
support in the use of WeChat?
1.4 RESEARCH QUESTION
This study will use use and satisfaction theory, presentation of self theory, and
social support theory, as well as concepts derived from the theory and other studies, to
examine the relationship between WeChat use and subjective well-being of college
students, revealing that presentation of self and social support are used in WeChat.
and subjective well-being. In this study, quantitative surveys and instrumental
questionnaires will also be used to obtain data and explain what is being explored.
Specifically, the goals of this study are:
RQ1: To investigate the relationship between presentation of self (positive
presentation of self, authentic presentation of self) and subjective well-being of
college students in the use of WeChat.
RQ2: To examine the relationship between college students' presentation of self
(positive presentation of self, authentic presentation of self) and social support in the
use of WeChat.
RQ3: To examine the relationship between social support and subjective well-being of
college students in the use of WeChat.
RQ4: To investigate the relationship between college students' presentation of self
(positive presentation of self, authentic presentation of self), subjective well-being and
social support in the use of WeChat.
1.5 RESEARCH SCOPE
According to a survey by Tencent, the main users of WeChat are young people, and
college students account for 64%. Therefore, college students, as the main user group
of WeChat, show higher enthusiasm and interest than other groups. Therefore, the
research object of this study is limited to Chinese college students who use WeChat in
school or have used WeChat (regardless of age and gender).
1.6 RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE
The research on the relationship between presentation of self, social support and
subjective well-being in the use of WeChat by college students has certain theoretical
and practical significance.
First, enrich research in related fields in China, hoping to inspire academic
researchers. In recent years, mobile social networking has developed rapidly, but there
is almost no research on WeChat, especially in the field of psychology. Research in
Western countries is basically focused on foreign social networking sites such as
Instagram, and the research on social networking sites suitable for China has just
begun. First, WeChat is one of the most popular social networking sites in China. By
studying it, we can understand the use of such software in my country. On the other
hand, WeChat is a social software, through which people communicate with relatives
and friends, publish their own pictures or texts in WeChat, and at the same time they
can see the content posted by others. Research on WeChat can provide a deeper
understanding of new ways of communicating between people.
Second, on today's Chinese university campuses, WeChat has become a
must-have software on everyone's phone. Since the use has become inevitable, it is
the top priority to promote the rational use of social networking sites such as WeChat
Moments by college students. This study uses a questionnaire survey to verify the
influence of different presentation of self strategies in WeChat on individual
subjective well-being, and then analyzes the relationship between WeChat
presentation of self strategies and subjective well-being, as well as the mediating role
of social support in it. On this basis, practical suggestions are put forward for the use
of WeChat for college students, so that Chinese college students can benefit from it.
CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 A review of studies related to subjective well-being
Subjective well-being (SWB) is the first subjective, beautiful, healthy and happy
living state, so it is called subjective well-being. SWB was first proposed by Western
psychologist Wanner Wilson in his article "Related Factors of Self-Proclaimed
Happiness". At present, in the West, there are different definitions of subjective
well-being, but they generally agree with the idea put forward by Diener in 1984. She
believes that subjective well-being refers to the overall quality of life that an
individual makes according to the standards set by himself. Evaluation of sexuality
(Psychological Bulletin, 1984). Diener also concluded that subjective well-being is a
subjective and holistic concept, and also has three characteristics of subjectivity,
stability and integrity. SWB is used to evaluate people's life satisfaction. Through the
study of subjective well-being, it can improve people's life satisfaction, improve
people's quality of life, and improve people's mental health.
Subjective well-being emphasizes people's views and experiences of their own
living conditions, and is a subjective evaluation (Diener) of people's quality of life.
There are two dimensions of subjective well-being: one is life satisfaction, which
refers to the individual's cognition and evaluation of the overall quality of life; the
other is emotional experience, which refers to the positive emotional experience and
negative emotional experience that an individual experiences in life (Diener).
2.2 Research review on the relationship between presentation of self, social
support, and subjective well-being in the use of WeChat
2.2.1 The relationship between WeChat presentation of self and subjective
well-being
Studies have shown that the use of social networking sites can reduce individual
loneliness, thereby improving individual life satisfaction and subjective well-being
(Valkenburg & Peter, 2007). In the context of social networking sites, studies have
found that Facebook users can derive emotional pleasure from self-affirmation, that is,
online users can gain a psychological buffer against self-threatening information or
time through presentation of self (Toma , 2010). Based on the above research findings,
Kim and Lee (2011) conducted a study on the relationship between positive
presentation of self and subjective well-being on American college students' social
networking sites, and the results showed that positive presentation of self on social
networking sites could positively predict subjective well-being. (2017) found that the
positive feedback of online selfies can directly or indirectly predict the subjective
well-being of female college students.
The function of social networking sites is to maintain and build a new grid of
interpersonal relationships, and friends in social networking sites can provide various
valuable support and help (Indian & Grieve, 2014). At the same time, social
networking sites can expand and accumulate individual social capital and improve
individual social skills (Steinfield, Ellison & Lampe, 2008).
2.2.2 The relationship between WeChat presentation of self and social support
presentation of self on social media can be divided into positive presentation of
self and authentic presentation of self. Studies have shown that different
self-expression or impression management can have different effects on people's
psychology. presentation of self has the function of self-construction, which has a
direct impact on the individual's self-concept. The positive self-image created by
positive presentation of self can make the individual maintain a happy mood and
positive self-concept, and enhance the individual's sense of social connection and
improve the individual Perceived levels of social support and well-being (Kim & Lee,
2011). Positive presentation of self is conducive to establishing a positive personal
image in front of others and promoting individual psychosocial adaptation (Ren Jun,
Cai Xiaohui, 2010), but if only positive information is presented, and negative
information is intentionally hidden or concealed, it is not conducive to social support
obtained (VALKENZUELAS, 2009). Authentic presentation of self can show the
authenticity and frankness of the individual, which is not only conducive to a more
comprehensive understanding of oneself, but also to the acquisition of social support
and the improvement of life satisfaction (Niu Gengfeng, Bao Na, Zhou Zhongkui, et
al., 2015 ).
2.2.3 The relationship between social support and subjective well-being
As social networking sites (SNS) such as Facebook have become an important
part of many people's daily media lives, media psychologists have become interested
in whether and how SNS use affects well-being (Ahn, 2011; Burke & Kraut, 2016;
Verduyn, Ybarra et al., 2017). Social support is a variable that has been considered
critical for psychosocial well-being in the context of SNS use for decades (Cohen &
Syme, 1985). Studies have shown that social support can effectively reduce the
loneliness of college students (Jiang Yongzhi, Bai Xiaoli, 2014), and improve
subjective well-being (Zheng Xianliang, 2012; Zhao Huanhuan, Zhang Heyun, etc.,
2012).
Studies in western countries have shown that the social network of the elderly is
positively correlated with subjective well-being (r=0.15) (Pinquart & Sorensen, 2000).
Even after controlling for the variable of support exchange, there is still a positive
correlation between social support and subjective well-being, but age is an important
moderator variable, and the correlation between social support and subjective
well-being increases with age.
2.2.4 The relationship between presentation of self, social support, and subjective
well-being in the use of WeChat
In the relationship between presentation of self on social networking sites,
subjective well-being and social support, existing literature shows that presentation of
self on social networking sites can predict the level of subjective well-being,
presentation of self on social networking sites can also predict social support, and
social support can predict subjective well-being sense level. Research has found that
presentation of self on social networking sites can bring higher online social support
and higher subjective well-being (Qiu Wenfu, Chen Zhiyong, 2017). As an important
individual resource, social support has a mediating role in the use of social media on
individual psychosocial adaptation (Steinfield, Ellison & Lampe, 2008). From this, it
is inferred that between presentation of self, subjective well-being and social support
when using WeChat, social support is the mediating variable.
2.3 Theoretical Perspective: presentation of self Theory and Use and Satisfaction
Theory and Past Research
This study attempts to use two theoretical perspectives: presentation of self
Theory and Use and Satisfaction Theory.
2.3.1
Presentation of self theory
Cooley believes that presentation of self is one of human's instinctive emotions.
Everyone tries to manage the individual's impression of others, which is called
presentation of self. According to Leary, it is "the belief that people convey to others
that an individual is a person or has a certain characteristic" (Leary, 1996). The
original origins of presentation of self can be traced back to semiotic interactionism in
philosophy (cooley, 1902; mead, 1934). The theory believes that people will consider
their own position in the role of others in social interaction, and they will imagine the
possible reactions of others to their various behaviors, so as to choose corresponding
behaviors, and finally form or change other people's views or impressions of
themselves. .
The concept of presentation of self was proposed by Goffman (1959) in his
"draatigury" of social behavior and psychology, and continued the semiotic interaction
concept about human interaction. presentation of self refers to the process of adjusting
one's behavior to create a special impression on others. It generally refers to the way
that ordinary people express themselves when they act, and is a common feature of
social behavior. presentation of self is the basic condition of interpersonal interaction.
In order to interact better, people must define the situation and the role they will play.
He called presentation of self the art of the stage in his theory of dramatization, and
used theatrical metaphor to regard individuals as "performers". He believes that
people are actors on the stage of life, just like performers will use various tools in the
process of performing, using stages, props and some means to strengthen or hide
some of their own information, leaving a specific message to the audience. impression.
Nonverbal cues are another tool used to present specific impressions, the most
common being facial expressions, body movements, etc. Performers will show
different images in different scripts, and individuals will also show different behaviors
and behavioral standards in daily life when facing different "stages" of work and life.
Goffman points out that we are all like actors on stage, trying to convince the
"audience" (the people around us) that we are a certain kind of person, even if we are
not. It is through this method that people form an expectation of their role and try to
define themselves in it, thereby shaping their social image and identity.
With the development of Internet technology, people's communication methods
have gradually developed from offline to online. More and more people use Facebook,
WhatsApp, WeChat and other social media to interact and communicate. The medium
of interaction affects the content, form, and even goals of people’s presentation of self.
Social media has become a part of contemporary life, and individual presentation of
self is gradually developing towards online presentation of self.
Graaf (2011) believes that people who are narcissistic in social networking sites
are more active in presenting themselves than others, and the presentation of personal
picture information can be predicted through the personality of "narcissism". The
more narcissistic individuals are, the more likely they are There will be more visible,
self-like information on social networking sites. Domestic research on adolescents'
personality characteristics and Internet usage preferences found that extraversion and
neuroticism have significant positive predictive effects on social network usage
preferences (Lei Li, Liu Mingxin, 2005). Extraversion, neuroticism, and
agreeableness were all significantly positively correlated with authentic presentation
of self in social networks (Seidman, 2013). Jiang Yuxiao (2016) maintained that
sharing behaviors were significantly influenced by self-expression, possibly because
of sharing desires to interact with others and build relationships. In addition,
individuals' presentation of self on social networking sites is also affected by cultural
background factors. For example, Americans are more likely to use text updates,
while collectivist countries are more inclined to use photos (Rui & Stefanone, 2013).
2.3.2 Use and Satisfaction Theory
Use and Satisfaction Theory (UGT) is an approach to understanding why and
how people actively seek out tower-top media to meet specific needs. UGT also takes
an audience-centric approach to understanding mass communication (Severin &
Tankard, 1997). Use and Satisfaction Theory emphasizes consumer (audience)
influence rather than information. The driving question for UGT is: Why do people
use media and for what purpose do they use it? UGT discusses how users deliberately
choose media that meet specific needs and allow people to enhance knowledge,
relaxation, social interaction/companionship, recreation or escape (Menon, Devadas;
2021).
In 1974, E. Katz first proposed this theory in his book "Personal Use of Mass
Communication". He summarized the media contact behavior as a "social factor +
psychological factor - media expectation - media contact - demand satisfaction"
causal linkage process. The research by Katz and his colleagues laid the theoretical
foundation for subsequent research into use and satisfaction. Following this, research
on the topic of use and satisfaction theory has also been strengthened and expanded
(Ruggiero, Thomas E, 2000). The analysis of using and satisfying the status quo is
still based on Katz's first analysis, especially in such an era of Internet information
technology, people have more opportunities for media choices.
From the theoretical basis and the causal chain process of the use and satisfaction
theory outlined by Katz, it can be inferred that under the influence of objective social
factors, people have different needs for different media. Once the audience is exposed
to a medium, they will feel different degrees of satisfaction from the medium, and this
satisfaction will affect the impression of the medium, which may increase or decrease.
The Internet provides a new, in-depth field for exploring use and fulfillment.
Omar and Subramanian (2013) pointed out in their research that there are 5 kinds of
satisfaction in using Facebook, namely: content satisfaction, social satisfaction,
process satisfaction, technical satisfaction and presentation of self. The functionality
offered by Facebook replicates the functionality available to users on the instant
messaging platform. Research using the Use and Satisfaction Framework found that
media users are likely to use social networking platforms because each platform
provides users with a unique sense of satisfaction (Puhua, Qiao, 2017). By analyzing
needs and gratifications from Facebook and instant messaging, Quan-Haase and
Young determined that users use Facebook to learn about interesting activities or
happenings in the user's own personal network, while instant messaging is more about
developing new Information on relationships and maintaining existing relationships
(Quan Haas, Annabelle; Young, Alyson L, 2010). Furthermore, Shao (2009) argues
that there are two typical motivations for media consumption, namely information
seeking and entertainment, and entertainment may be more important in triggering
media use.
2.5 Theoretical framework and research assumptions
H4
positive presentation of
self
Real presentation of self
H2a
H3
social support
H2b
subjective
well-being
Presentation of self
Based on the above theories, a theoretical framework of the relationship between
presentation of self, social support and subjective well-being of college students in the
use of WeChat is constructed. As shown in the figure above, this study outlines the
relationship between presentation of self, social support, and subjective well-being
among college students in WeChat use, and examines the mediating role of social
support.
Based on the literature review and the conceptual framework proposed in this
study, the research hypotheses are developed as follows:
H1: There is a significant correlation between presentation of self and subjective
well-being in the use of WeChat by college students.
H1a: There is a positive correlation between positive presentation of self and
subjective well-being in the use of WeChat by college students.
H1b: Authentic presentation of self in WeChat use of college students is positively
correlated with subjective well-being.
H2: presentation of self is closely related to social support in the use of WeChat by
college students.
H2a: Positive presentation of self is positively correlated with social support in the
use of WeChat by college students.
H2b: Authentic presentation of self is positively correlated with social support in the
use of WeChat by college students.
H3: There is a positive correlation between social support and subjective well-being
in the use of WeChat by college students.
H4: There is a mediating effect of social support between presentation of self and
subjective well-being in the use of WeChat by college students.
H4a: There is a mediating effect of social support between positive presentation of
self and subjective well-being in the use of WeChat by college students.
H4b: The mediating effect of social support between authentic presentation of self and
subjective well-being in the use of WeChat by college students.
CHAPTEAR 3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Method
This study employed a survey research approach to determine the relationship
between presentation of self, subjective well-being, and social support in the use of
WeChat in Chinese universities. Today, the survey research method is a common
mode of observation in the social sciences. Survey research is usually a method of
systematically collecting data by asking questions about a sample from a certain
social group, and understanding social phenomena and their laws through statistical
analysis of the data (Wang Yingji, 2019, p. 123). The survey research method is well
suited for this study as it can be used for descriptive, explanatory and exploratory
research (Babbie, 2010).
In this study, the survey research method is very suitable for investigating the
actual situation of college students' subjective well-being when using WeChat. This
study focuses on the factors of positive presentation of self, authentic presentation of
self and social support when using WeChat.
In order to reach out to college students in various regions of China, this study
will use an online survey method. Babbie (2010) pointed out that the use of Internet
surveys is an increasingly popular survey research method. Under normal
circumstances, potential respondents can actively visit the web page to fill in the
questionnaire according to their own interests, or the researcher sends a link or email
to the respondents to ask them to fill in the questionnaire.
3.2 Sampling Techniques
This study will adopt the methods of snowball sampling and purposeful sampling
in non-probability sampling. Wimmer & Zumbo (2011) point out that one of the
problems researchers face when deciding on a sampling strategy is whether it fits the
purpose of the study. Non-probability sampling is suitable for this study, because the
target group of this study is Chinese college students, because non-probability
sampling is suitable for individual cases or people with the same characteristics.
snowball sampling
In order to get enough respondents, snowball sampling will also be implemented.
The snowball sampling rule is to seek the help of the research sample to obtain more
sample participation. “Snowballing” refers to the accumulation process in which
each designated research sample implies other research samples (Babbie, 2010). In
this study, a college student who uses WeChat will forward the questionnaire to his
college student friend who also uses WeChat.
purposeful sampling
Convenience random sampling is a non-probabilistic sampling technique that
occurs when "the elements selected for the sample are chosen by the researcher's
judgment. Researchers generally believe that they can, with sound judgment, obtain a
representative sample, thereby saving time and money” (Black, K, 2010). In this
study, questionnaires will be purposely distributed to suitable target groups.
3.3 Data collection
This research will use the method of questionnaire survey to survey Chinese
college students, and collect a total of 300 valid questionnaires to study this question.
3.4 Research Instrument
Questionnaire:
This study will use questionnaires for data collection, and a total of 300 valid
questionnaires are expected to be collected. In this study, most questions were
structured, providing a range of possible answers. Scores are determined on a
five-point Likert scale.
3.5 Conceptualisation
3.5.1 Presentation of self
presentation of self is indicated as an individual's desire to control others'
impressions of the individual's own image (Goffman). Meanwhile, presentation of self
is also known as impression management. Impression management is the process by
which individuals try to influence others' perceptions of themselves, things or events
by regulating or controlling information in social interactions (Goffman, 1967). In this
study, presentation of self was conceptualized as: I only post pictures that show my
happy side, I don't mind posting pictures that I don't look happy, I don't reveal bad
things that happen to me, Wait.
3.5.2 Subjective well-being
The three main types of happiness are high life satisfaction, frequent positive
emotions, and infrequent negative emotions (Diener, 1984).
Life satisfaction
Life Satisfaction (LS) is the way people express their emotions, feelings
(emotions), and their perceptions of future direction and choices (Anand, Paul; 2016).
In these narratives, being satisfied with someone's life is saying that she judges, or
tends to judge, that her life meets her standards; taking into account what she expects
or wants from life (Benditt, 1974).
Positive emotions
Positive emotions are those good feelings (Russel) that arise when you want to
smile when things are going well. Positive emotion is associated with the satisfaction
of a certain need, usually accompanied by a pleasant subjective experience, and can
improve people's enthusiasm and activity (Meng Zhaolan; 1989).
Negative emotions
Negative emotions are also known as negative emotions. Negative emotion can
be defined as: an unpleasant or unpleasant emotion that is evoked in an individual to
express a negative impact on an event or person (Pam, 2013).
In this study, subjective well-being was conceptualized as: society provides
people with more and more outlets, as I get older, I become stronger-willed, etc.
3.5.3 Social support
Network social support is also called online social support, which refers to the
social support such as emotion and information obtained by individuals in the
interaction of Internet media. Degree of respect, support and understanding (Liang
Xiaoyan, 2008). In this study, social support is conceptualized as: how many close
friends are available for support and help, interactions with classmates, etc.
3.6 Operationalization and Measurement
3.6.1 Social networking site positive presentation of self measurement table
This study used the presentation of self Strategies Scale (Chinese version) on
social networking sites revised by Bao Na (2014). This scale has 9 items and 2
dimensions. The scale uses a 5-point Likert scale ranging from "completely disagree"
to "completely agree". Among them, the positive presentation of self strategy subscale
contains 5 items, which are used to measure the degree to which individuals
selectively present their positive side in social networking sites (eg: I only post photos
that show my happy side, the higher the score, the more positive it is on social
networking sites). The higher the degree of selective presentation of the positive
aspects of oneself, the Authentic presentation of self Strategies subscale contains 4
items, which are used to measure the degree to which individuals present their true
information and emotions in the use of social networking sites (eg: I don’t mind
posting those I unhappy-looking photos), higher scores represent a higher degree of
individuals presenting their reality on social networking sites.
Projects include:
Construct name and project
I only post pictures that show my happy side
I don't mind posting pictures where I don't look happy
I won't reveal bad things that happened to me
I don't mind sharing some bad things that happened to me
Always use a happy face when chatting, no matter how I really feel
I will post pictures that show my real side
No matter how I feel, I will only post messages that describe how happy I am
I can express my negativity freely
I only post the status of my positive feelings
3.6.2 Subjective well-being questionnaire
This study will use the subjective well-being scale proposed by Diener (1984) to
measure the subjective well-being of college students. Diener divides the subjective
well-being scale into two dimensions: affective and cognitive. Emotion refers to the
emotional experience that an individual feels in real life; cognition refers to an
individual's cognitive assessment of the quality of life, such as life satisfaction. This
questionnaire will use a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1-5 representing "strongly
disagree" to "strongly agree." The 4th, 5th, 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 18th,
and 20th are the direction scoring.
Projects include:
Construct name and project
Society offers people more and more ways out
As I got older, I became stronger-willed and more capable
Most of the goals I have in life motivate me, not discourage me
I often feel like I'm just messing around every day
I don't know what I'm doing
I often feel particularly uncomfortable in certain parts of my body
Compared with others, I am satisfied
I am satisfied with the financial situation of my family
I often worry about little things
I am very worried about my health
I often find myself struggling to get friendships
I am satisfied with my character
I feel like most people have more friends than I do
I am happy with my family
I have less luck than others
I believe that society will continue to develop
I often feel disadvantaged compared to others
When something unhappy happens, you can't cheer up for a long time
I'm getting more and more mature
I would find it difficult to communicate with others
3.6.3 Social Support Scale
This study adopts the Social Support Scale (SSRS) compiled by Xiao Shuiyuan
(1986), which includes three dimensions of subjective support, objective support and
utilization of support, with a total of 10 items. In this study, some measurement items
were simply revised according to the actual situation of college students. For example,
change "colleague" to "classmate"; "work place" to "school". For questions 1-4; 8-10,
choose items 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively, for 1, 2, 3, and 4 points. Question 5 A-D, is
from 1-4 points. For questions 6 and 7, if you answer "no source", you will be given 0
points, and if you answer "the following sources", you will be given points for several
sources.
Specific projects include:
1. How many close friends do you have who can get support and help (single choice)?
(1) none; (2) 1-2; (3) 3-5; (4) 6 or more
2. In the past year, you (single choice):
(1) Living in a single room away from family members; (2) Living with strangers
most of the time; (3) Living with classmates or friends; (4) Living with family
members
3. You and your classmates (single choice):
(1) They don’t communicate with each other, just nods; (2) They may care a little
when they encounter difficulties; (3) Some classmates care about you very much; (4)
Most classmates care about you very much
4. You and the teacher (single choice):
(1) They don't communicate with each other, just nodding; (2) They may care a little
when they encounter difficulties; (3) Some teachers care about you very much; (4)
Most teachers care about you very much
5. Sources of support and care (tick the appropriate box)
Full support
None Rarely
A. lover or friend
b. parents
c. teacher
D. siblings
E. Other members (eg: neighbors)
6. In the past, when you encountered an emergency, the sources of financial support or
help to solve practical problems were:
(1) No source; (2) The following sources (multiple choices are allowed): A. Lover; B.
Family; C. Friends; D. Relatives; E. Classmates; F. School; G. Official organizations
such as party groups; H. . Religious, social groups and other non-official
organizations; I. Others (please list)
7. In the past, when you encountered an emergency, the sources of comfort and
concern you have received include:
(1) No source; (2) The following sources (multiple choices are allowed): A. Lover; B.
Family; C. Friends; D. Relatives; E. Classmates; F. School; G. Official organizations
such as party groups; H. . Religious, social groups and other non-official
organizations; I. Others (please list)
8. The way you talk about your troubles (single choice):
(1): Never confide to anyone; (2) Only confide to a few people who are very close; (3)
If friends take the initiative to ask, they will say it; (4) Take the initiative to confide in
their troubles, so as to gain support and understanding
9. How to get help when you are troubled (single choice):
(1) Rely on oneself and do not accept help from others; (2) Rarely ask for help from
others; (3) Sometimes ask for help from others; (4) When in difficulty, often ask for
help from family, relatives, friends, and organizations
10. For groups (such as party organizations, religious organizations, student unions,
etc.) to organize activities, you (single choice):
(1) Never participate; (2) Participate occasionally; (3) Participate often; (4) Participate
actively and be active
3.7 Data Analysis
The Statistical Software Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) application will be
used to organize raw data and apply statistical tests. Other measures (overall mean,
variance, percentage, etc.) will be used in the questionnaire data analysis. Linear
regression is an attempt to model the relationship between two variables by fitting a
linear equation to the observed data. One variable is considered the independent
variable and the other is the dependent variable. Therefore, this study will perform
regression analysis to verify the relationship between variables (from H1-H4).
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